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Help with your PPY – Bath Spa University

Not sure how to find a placement during your Professional Placement Year (PPY)? Here's how we can help.

Research shows that those who undertake a Professional Placement Year (PPY) are more likely to see a positive impact on both their final-year academic performance and employability. It helps to increase confidence and can really help you to stand out in the job market. Some employers use it as an early recruitment tool, and as many as 59% of graduate jobs are filled by someone who has already worked for the company before.

While the responsibility to find a placement during your PPY lies with you, the Placements Team can provide support and advice to you at every stage of the process. If you are interested in working with us while you look for a placement, we recommend following the below steps.

Here's where to start...

Welcome to Pathways! We have introduced a new way for you to navigate your way through your Professional Placement Year (PPY) journey. Each Pathway has been carefully designed for each year of study to guide you through the need to know information, useful resources, where to access support and much more.

Depending on your year of study, find the Pathways you need on MyCareer and get started now!

PPY Learning Pathway

The PPY Learning Pathways is open to 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students to find basic information about the Professional Placement year (PPY).

If you are not already enrolled on a 4 year degree, complete the PPY Learning Pathway on MyCareer. You will find the Pathway on MyCareer.

First Years - PPY (First Year) Pathway

The PPY (First Year) Pathway is available to students in their first year who are already enrolled on a 4 Year degree (with a PPY) and/or have recently completed the PPY Learning Pathway to ‘express their interest’ in undertaking a Professional Placement Year between their second and third year of university.

This compulsory Pathway will give you key information about the Professional Placement Year, outline the support available and invite you to our Panel Event and drop ins. We highly recommend that you also engage with the Placements Team at some point during your first year. There is information on how to do this on the Pathway. You will find the PPY (First Year) Pathway on MyCareer.

Second Years - PPY5000 (Second Year) Pathway

The PPY5000 (Second Year) Pathway is available to students in their second year who are already enrolled on a 4 Year degree, with a PPY and/or have recently completed the PPY Learning Pathway expressing their interest in undertaking a Professional Placement Year between their second and third year of university.

This compulsory Pathway will guide you through the support provided while you search, apply and ultimately secure a placement. You will find a variety of resources, links and guides that we highly recommend you make use of. You will find the PPY (Second Year) Pathway on MyCareer.

For an overview of the Professional Placement Year, take a look at the Student PPY Guide, which will fill you in on all the information you need to start thinking about ahead of your PPY.

If you’d like to get in touch with us about a Professional Placement Year, or if you have any questions regarding the Pathways, you can use the Submit a Query function on MyCareer or call +44 (0)1225 875 525.

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